Sapper Leonard Crawley
| Date of Birth | 12/02/1891 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 27 |
| Date of Death | 09/12/1918 |
| Service Number | WR/501955 |
| Military Service | Royal Engineers |
| Merton Address | |
| Local Memorial | Streatham Park Cemetery |
Additional Information
Leonard was born on 12 February 1891 and baptised on 4 March in St Mary’s Newington.
His parents, Charles, a Coal Porter, and Matilda had nine children but by the 1911 census, only 5 were still living. Leonard grew up in the Walford area and in 1911 his parents were living at 271 Sayer Street. Leonard and his sister Lydia were at home and Lydia’s two children lived with them. Leonard was 20 years old and a Lighterman Apprentice.
On 1 August 1915, Leonard married Lydia Marie Gyde at St Paul’s Church Newington and they lived at 5 Date Street, Walworth. Their only daughter, Lydia Daisy, was born on 6 September 1915.
Bernard attested on 4 August 1915 and initially served as a waterman on the Inland Water Transport section of the Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment. He transferred to the Royal Engineers as a Sapper on 4 February 1916 at the request of his superiors, who needed the knowledge of waterways that he had. On 3 July 1916 he was sent to France.
Bernard was on a short leave in 1918 when he caught influenza. This turned to bronchial pneumonia and he died in the 1st London Hospital on 9 December. He is buried in Streatham Park Cemetery.